I’m racing to finish another book, and I’m deeply embroiled in thoughts of what makes a story work. Which reminds me of a favorite scene from the movie, Shakespeare in Love. It goes like this:
Philip Henslowe:
Mr. Fennyman, allow me to explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster.
Hugh Fennyman:
So what do we do?
Philip Henslowe:
Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well.
Hugh Fennyman:
How?
Philip Henslowe:
I don’t know. It’s a mystery.
The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster.
An apt description for the writing process, too, I think. At least that’s how I’m feeling about my WIP as I prepare this post. I’m questioning my abilities.
Insurmountable obstacles. Imminent disaster.
So how will I pull it all together into a book worth reading?
I don’t know. It’s a mystery.
I don’t believe in analyzing the mystery of my creativity too much. I much prefer to let the “girls in the basement” enjoy playing in my subconscious and then invite them to send up what they find worthy.
How does that work? I don’t know. It’s a mystery.
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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A wonderful dialogue about the creative process.
It’s fun, isn’t it, Shirley?
That is funny, Robin! I’m finishing up a WIP also, and sometimes I agonize over my terrible writing. But later, my editor thinks it’s pretty good, and I fix the problems, and it all works out. It’s a definite mystery!
Glad you enjoyed it. I think all writers (and actors and artists of many sorts) can relate.
So funny, Robin, I just got through reading something that mentioned the “boys in the basement” a Stephen King quote. Then you said “The girls in the basement” I think we aught to redeem that to the girls in the attic. A HIGHER place and a place where we pull from…our memories. Just a thought. (<;
And it really is a mystery! You are so right! I am there with you.
I don’t know, Sandy. Girls in the Attic makes me think of Bats in the Belfry. LOL!
I know what you mean! I get to a point where I start singing “If I only had a plot…” (To the tune of “If I only had a brain” from the Wizard of Oz.) Sometimes I need a plot AND a functioning brain. But the girls in the basement always know…
LOL, Lynn. Love it.